Container for transporting goods in commerce



May 10, 1966 B. BRAUN 3,250,421

CONTAINER FOR TRANSPORTING GOODS IN COMMERCE Filed May 13, 1963 5Sheets-Sheet l IIHW'UWW I T' A l f g \\\\Q 215 2s [20 FIG.3 22

INVENTOR.

Bernard Braun ATTORNEY May 10, 1966 B. BRAUN 3,250,421

CONTAINER FOR TRANSPORTING GOODS IN COMMERCE Filed May 15, 1963 5Sheets-Sheet 2 23F FIGS INVENTOR.

Bernard Braun AT TORNEY B. BRAUN 3,250,421

CONTAINER FOR TRANSPORTING GOODS IN COMMERCE May 10, 1966 5 Sheets-Sheet5 Filed May 13, 1963 FIGH m E M E \\m f 1 1. 2 a j FIG.I6

O 0 am INVENTOR.

Bernard Bra un BY ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,250,421 CONTAINER FORTRANSPORTING GOODS IN COMMERCE Bernard Braun, 130-72 226th St.,Laurelton, N.Y. Filed May 13, 1963, Ser. No. 279,954 11 Claims. (Cl.220-4) This invention relates in general to a container and morespecifically to an improved knock-down container or carrier adapted fortransporting bottles, cans, and the like which are shipped eitherloosely or prepackaged in cartons of six, eight, twelve and the like forretail distribution.

Heretofore, containers, cases or carriers, which have been widely usedfor transporting bottles of soda, beer,

and other beverages from the bottler or wholesaler to the retailer orconsumer, usually in lots of twelve or twentyfour bottles, were formedof integral constructions, generally of wooden members of /2" or A"thick which are permanently secured together as by nails and/ or metalstrapping. Experience has shown that such carriers or cases, as they aregenerally referred to in the trade are diflicult to handle and/or toclean in the event a nail becomes loose or the strapping breaks. Furtherit has been noted that in the shipment of such cases from a manufacturerto a user thereof, it required considerable freighting cost. This wasbecause, the empty integrally constructed container or carriers occupieda considerable amount of shipping space. Also in the storage of theempty carriers of heretofore known construction, considerable storagearea was required.

Therefore, an object of this invention is to overcome the above notedobjections by providing an improved container or case construction whichpermits the same to be readily knocked down so as to occupy a minimum ofstorage and/or shipping space when empty.

Another object is to provide for a readily knock down container or casefor transporting containers of beverages and the like which can bereadily assembled and disassembled with a minimum of tools and with aminimum of effort.

Still another object is to provide an improved container constructionthat is strong, durable, easy to handle and easy to clean, and one whichwill remain a more distinctive marketing package than the heretoforeknown container constructions.

Still another object is to provide an improved carrier which isrelatively simple in structure, which can be inexpensively massproduced, and which is positive in operation.

It is another object to provide an improved knock down carrier which isreadily adaptable for transporting containers which are either looselyshipped and/ or which are shipped in prepackaged cardboard cartons forretail distribution.

The foregoing objects and other features and advantages are attained bya knock down carrier comprising essentially of a bottom panel and a pairof complementary upright Wall forming pieces for defining thecircumscribing side and end portions of the carrier. Each of therespective upright wall forming pieces are provided with complementaryinterfitting end portions which are adapted to be detachably connectedby a fastening means. Each of the respective wall forming pieces and thebottom panel have integrally formed thereon co-operating interfittingedge portions for supporting the bottom panel in position between thewall pieces. Means are formed in the bottom wall to drain off therefromany accumulation of moisture. Means are also provided in the form ofpartitions and partition securing means therefor for dividing thecarrier into a plurality of compartment for adapt- 3,250,421 PatentedMay 10, 1966 ing the same to the various manners in which bottled or canbeverages are distributed or retailed. In accordance with thisinvention, the primary component parts of the carrier are preferablyconstructed and arranged so that they can be readily rested in thedisassembled position of the carrier. In this manner the carrier can betransported or stored when empty in its knock down position so as toutilize a minimum of space.

To facilitate portage of the carrier in the assembled position thereof,hand holders or grips are formed integral with the wall forming pieces.

A feature of this invention resides in the provision in which thecontainer or carrier can be readily repaired by the user simply bysubstituting a new component part for any damaged part thereof.

A feature of this invention resides in the provision wherein the wallforming pieces in one form of the invention define an integrally formedlongitudinally extending side wall portion and an adjacent end Wallportion of the carrier which can be readily nested in the knock downposition thereof.

Another feature of the invention resides in the respective wall formingpieces being provided with complementary interfitting end portionsconstructed and arranged so as to be detachably secured by a fasteningpin or the like extended therethrough and thereby eliminate the hazardof loose nails or broken straps of the prior construction.

Still another feature of the invention is to provide a bottom wall paneland each of said side wall forming pieces with a co-operating andcomplementary shaped portion for maintaining the relative positionthereof with respect to one another and for supporting the weight of thearticles carried thereby.

It is still anotherfeature of this invention to provid a carrier forbottled beverages which can be readily knocked down with a minimumnumber of component parts which can be readily nested or stored so as tooccupy a. minimum of space.

It is still another feature to provide a readily knoc down carrier whichcan be partitioned to accommodate either of plurality of beveragecontainers, and/or a plurality of prepackaged cartons of suchcontainers.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent whenconsidered in view of the drawings and specification in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the carrier of this invention.illustrated in its assembled position.

FIGURE 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the carrier of FIG.1, with the partitions removed.

FIGURE 3 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the carrier of FIG. 1.

FIGURES 4, 5, and 6 illustrate front, side and top views respectively ofthe partition clip holding means of this invention.

FIGURE 7 is a perspective detail view of the bottom wall panel of thecarrier of FIG. 1.

FIGURES 8 and 9 illustrate the perspective detail views of therespective complementary wall forming pieces of the carrier of FIG. 1,with the fastening means therefor detailed in FIG. 8.

FIGURE 10 is a detailed sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 7.

FIGURE 11 illustrates a plan view of a slightly modified carrier.

FIGURE 12 is a side view of the carrier of FIG. 11.

FIGURE 13 is an end view of the carrier of FIG. 11.

FIGURE 14 is a sectional view taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 11, and

FIGURES 15, 16 and 17 are diagrammatical plan views of the carrierillustrating various ways into which the carrier can be compartmentizedfor handling or transporting individual containers, or prepackagedcartons of containers.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 10, there is shown therein a knock-down carrier20 adapted for transporting bottles or cans of beverages, e.g. soda,beer and the like from the bottler or wholesaler to retailer orconsumer. As shown, the carrier 20 comprises essentially of a bottomwall panel 21 and a pair of complementary wall forming pieces 22, 2 3which are constructed and arranged so as to be readily detachablysecured together by a fastening means 2 1. In accordance with thisinvention the respective component parts are preferably formed of moldedplastic material or the like.

Referring to FIG. 7, the bottom wall panel 21 comprises an integralmolded piece having substantially rectangularly disposed opposedlongitudinal and transverse side portions 21A, 21B. Each corner of thebottom wall 21 has'integrally formed thereat a laterally projectingcorner ear 25 and 25A. As shown two of the diagonally disposed cornerears 25A have an aperture 26 extending therethrough, and the opposedlongitudinally extending edge portions are formed with an undercut whichis adapted to mate with a complementary bead 22A, 23A formed on each ofthe wall forming pieces 22, 23 as will be described hereinafter.Integrally formed on the upper surface of the bottom wall 21 are aseries of spaced raised longitudinally extending ribs 27 on which thebottles or beverage containers are adapted to set on. Drain openings 28are interspaeed between the ribs 27 and about the marginal ends of thepanel 21 to prohibit the accumulating of Water, moisture orpercipitation therein. The drain openings 28 further facilitate thedraining of water when the carrier 20 is subjected to a washing andcleaning operation. As shown the openings 28 in the panel 21 arestaggered.

Each of the wall forming pieces 22, 23 are likewise preferably molded ofa suitable durable, strong plastic material. In the form of theinvention shown in FIGS. 1 to 10, the respective pieces 22, 23 eachdefine full a longitudinal side wall panel 22B, 23B and a connectedadjacent full end wall panel 22C, 23C jointed at the juncture thereat bya rounded corner 22D, 23D. According to this invention the lower end ofthe rounded corner 22D, 23D thus defined is provided with a cut out oropen end slot 29, 30 respectively to accommodate the corner ears 25 ofthe bottom panel 21 in the assembled position thereon. Also as shown, inFIGS. 3, 8, 9 the longitudinally extending side wall portion 22B, 23B ofthe respective pieces 22, 23 has formed along the lower edge therebeaded portions 22A, 23A adapted to be received in a mating relationshipwith the undercut portion of the bottom panel 21 in the assembledposition thereof. This is best viewed in FIG. 3.

The respective free ends of the pieces 22 and 23 are each provided withcomplementary interfitting end portions. For example, each piece 22 and23 terminate in a rounded end corner portion in which either the upperor lower half portion of the end terminal corner portions are cut away.In the illustrated embodiment, the right end corner 22E of piece 22 hasits lower corner portion cut away whereas the left end 22F of piece 22has its upper half corner portion cut away. The other piece 23 has itsrespectively end portion cut away to complement the respective halfcorner portions of piece 22 so that in the assembled portion of thecarrier, the respective half corner portion of the respective pieces 22,23 define a full corner as shown in FIG. 1. It will be noted that therespective lower edge of the respective lower half corner portions 22Fand 23B of pieces 22 and 23 are cut away to define an open end slot 31,32 for accommodating the diagonally disposed corner lugs 25A whichcontain the apertures 26. As best seen in FIGS. 8 and 9 the respectivehalf corner portions of pieces 22 and 23 at their line of juncture areformed with complementary shoulder or step portions 33, 34. In thismanner the respective ends of the pieces 22, 23,'when fitted, are firmlypositioned with respect to one another.

In accordance with this invention a bore 35A, 35B is vertically extendedthrough the respective half corner end portions of the pieces 22 and 23.The arrangement is such the bore 35A, 3513 in the respective endportions are disposed in vertical alignment with one another and withthe apertures 26 formed in corner lugs 25A of the bottom panel 21.

With the respective components 21, 22 and 23 which define the full opentop carrier 20, assembly is readily accomplished by positioning thebottom panel 21 between therespective wall forming pieces 22, 23 so thatthe longituding edges 21A, of the panel 21 mate with or is supportedbetween the beaded portion 22A, 23A of the pieces 22, 23. Each piece 22,23 is thus oriented so that the open notch or cut out portion 29, 30,31, 32 accommodate one of corner ears 25, 25A. With the parts sopositioned, a fastening means 24 in the form of a pin, bolt or rivet 24Ais inserted through the aligned bores 35A, B of the interfittingportions and the apertures 26 formed in the corner ear 25A disposed inalignment therewith. In the illustrated embodiment a pin or rivet 24 isshown, and it is secured by its end 24C being peened over a washer 24B.In the assembled form it will be apparent that the pins 24A and thecomplementary undercut 21A and bead 22A, 23A support the bottom 21 andthe weight carried thereon, whereas the open notches 29 to 30 receivingthe corner ears 25, 25A serve to maintain the bottom panel 21 fixed whenan empty carrier 20 is turned upsidedown. If desired the head of the pinand the washer 24B may be counter sunk with the respective piece 22, 23.To facilitate portage and handling of the carrier 20, each of the wallforming pieces 22, 23 has a hand grip 36 integrally formed in the endwall forming portion thereof.

Means are provided for partitioning the carrier 20 into compartments foraccommodating beverage container or bottles that are either individuallyplaced in the carrier or prepackaged into cardboard cartons of six,eight, twelve or the like. FIGS. 1 and 17 illustrate the carrier 20partitioned to receive 3 cartons of eight containers each. As shown themeans comprises a partition 37 which extends transversely between theside wall portions of the carrier. To locate the partition 37 for agiven setting, means in the form of channel forming guides 38 areintegrally formed in the wall portion of the carrier. Thus the partition37 can be readily slipped in position between such channel formingguides 38. Also the guides 38 prohibit lateral displacement of thepartition 37.

Clip means 39 are provided to secure the partition in place. As seenbest in FIGS. 4 to 6, the clip 39 comprises a bent portion 40 which isadapted to embrace the upper end portion of the partition 37. Laterallyextended bent tabs or flanges 41 extend to either side of portion 40.The tabs 41 are secured by fasteners 42 to the adjacent wall portion ofthe carrier. The fasteners may comprise any suitable type, e.g. screws,rivets, bolts or the like.

FIG. 16 illustrates schematically the arrangement of partitions 37A and37B for accommodating four cartons of six containers each. In this form,it will be understood that the respective partition 37A, 373 have apartial slot formed intermediate the ends thereof to effect the crossingthereof in a manner well known to those skilled in the art.

FIG. 15 illustrates the carrier partitioned with a plurality of cells 43for individually receiving a single container or bottle of beverage.

With the construction of the carrier 20 described, it will be noted thatthe carrier can be readily shipped from the manufacturer thereof to therespective users thereof in a knock down position. Thus a maximum numberof units can be shipped in a minimum amount of space. Because of therelatively few major parts 21, 22 and 23 and the simplicity by which thecarrier is assembled, it can be readily assembled by the user as needed.Thus, the user can more economically utilize his warehouse space sincethe unused or empty casesor carriers 20 can be stored in their knockeddown position until readied for use.

Also the carrier 20 being formed substantially of a molded plasticmaterial are rendered durable, light in weight, and easily cleaned.

FIGS. 11 to 14 illustrate a modified embodiment of the invention. Inthis form the carrier 50 comprises a bottom panel 51 and a pair of Wallforming pieces 52, 53 for defining the sides and ends of the carrier. Inthis form of the invention, the bottom panel 51 is formed withrectangularly disposed side and end edge portions 51A, 51B having arounded corner portion 510 defined therebetween. The bottom panel 51 isfurther provided with an undercut portion extending along thelongitudinal edge 51A portions thereof and ribs 54 similar to the bottompanel described With reference to the carrier of FIG. 1. Drain holes 55are also provided, as previously described.

In accordance with this form of the invention the respective wallforming pieces 52, 53 are formed as U shaped members which define onefull wall portion of the carrier and one half of each adjacent wallportion. As best seen in FIG. 13, each wall forming piece 52, 53 isprovided with complementary interfitting end portions. In theillustrated embodiment the respective piece 52, 53 define a full sidewall 52A, 53A and one half of each adjacent end wall 52B, 52C, 53B, 53C;however, it will he understood that pieces 52, 53 may be otherwiseformed to define a full end wall of the carrier with the connected halfportions of each adjacent side wall.

In the form of the invention shown in FIGS. 11 to 15, the lower portionof the wall portions 52A, 53A defining the opposed side walls of thecarrier have a laterally projecting bead 56 for mating with the undercut57 of the bottom panel 51 as hereinbefore described. As seen in FIG. 14,the complementary undercut 57 and head 56 support the bottom panel 51within the connected wall pieces 52, 53. To prohibit the bottom 51 fromfalling inwardly of the carrier 50 when inverted or turned upsidedown, aplurality of buttress means 59 are provided. As seen in FIGS. 11 and 14,the buttress means 59 are spaced along the side wall portions of thecarrier and extend over the upper surface of the bottom panel 51. Thusthe bottom panel 51 is wedged in place between the beaded portion 56 ofthe side wall portions and the buttress means 59 formed integraltherewith.

In assemblying the carrier of FIGS. 11 to 14, the respective pieces 52and 53 are disposed about the bottom panel 51 with their respective endportions interfitted together as shown in FIG. 13. Because of the handhold 60 or grips, the respective pieces 52 and 53 have complementary endportions disposed above and below the hand opening 60. If desired, theline of junction between the interfitting end portions may be providedwith complementary shoulder or step portions as described herein withreference to the carrier of FIG. 1. To secure the fitted ends of pieces52 and 53 together, a pair of peened pin or rivet type fasteners 61, 62or the like are used at each end. As shown one pin fastener 61 securesthe fitted ends defining the upper edge of the hand hold 60, and anotherpin fastener 61 secures the fitted end portions below the hand hold 60.Thus in this form, the pin 61 fastener is not required to engage thebottom panel 51, since the bottom panel is held in place by the beadedportion 56 and the buttress 59.

It will be understood that the carrier 5i) of FIGS. 11 to 14 can bepartitioned in the manner described with reference to the carrier ofFIG. 1, and therefore, the description thereof need not be repeated.

From the foregoing, it will be noted that economy in the use of theinstant described construction can be further enhanced in that theultimate user can readily repair any damaged portion of the container bysimply substituting a usable portion for any damaged unusable componentthereof.

While the instant invention has been described in detail with referenceto particular embodiments thereof, it will be understood that variationsand modifications thereof may be made without departing from the spiritor scope thereof.

What is claimed is:

l. A readily knock down full open top case for transporting articlespacked either individually or in cartons comprising,

(a) a unitary bottom panel,

(b) said bottom panel having opposed longitudinal side edges, andopposed transversely extending end edges,

(c) and said panel having integrally formed corner ears projectinglaterally outwardly at the corner junctions of said adjacent side andend edges thereof,

(d) a pair of said ears, which are diagonally disposed with respect toone another, have an aperture formed therein,

(e) a pair of similarly constructed complementary upright wall portionsfor defining the circumscribin-g opposed sides and ends of said case,each of said upright wall portions defining a side and integrallyconnected end portion of said case,

(f) each of said upright wall portions having co-mplementaryinterfitting rounded end portions, said rounded end portion of each saidupright Wall portion being partially cut away to define an upper halfrounded end portion at one end of said wall portion and a lower halfrounded end portion at the other end of said wall portion so that in theassembled position, the upper half round end portion of one wall formingportion complements the lower half round end portion of the otherupright wall forming portion,

(g) each of the respective interfittin'g end portions of saidcomplementary wall portion having an aligned bore extending verticallytherethrough,

(b) said bore being disposed in vertical alignment with the apertureform in said pair of diagonally disposed corner ears in the assembledposition of said case,

(i) and a fastening means extended through said aligned bores andaperture aligned therewith for securing said pair of complementary Wallportions to said bottom panel in the assembled position of said carrierwherein only two such fastening means are required to maintain saidunitary bottom Wall and complementary upright wall portions in theirrespective assembled positions.

2. The invention as defined in claim 1 and including a plurality ofraised ribs formed on said bottom panel.

3. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein each of saidcomplementary wall forming portions and said bottom panel havecomplementary shaped adjacent adjoining interfitting edge portions forpermitting said unitary bottom panel to supporting the weight carriedthereby.

4. The invention as defined in claim 3 wherein said complementary shapededge portion include an undercut formed on the longitudinal edgeportions of said bottom panel and a laterally extending beaded portionformed on said wall forming means adapted to be received by the undercutportions of said bottom panel.

5. A readily knock down full open top case adapted for transporting aplurality of bottles shipped either individually and/or prepackaged incartons for retail distribution comprising,

(a) a substantially rectangularly shaped unitary bottom panel havingopposed longitudinally extending side edges and opposed transverselyextending end edges,

(b) each of said longitudinally extending side edges being undercut,

(c) said unitary bottom panel having integrally formed corner earsprojecting laterally outwardly at the corner junctions of said adjacentside and end edges thereof,

(d) a pair of said ears which are diagonally disposed having an apertureextending therethrough,

(e) a plurality of raised spaced longitudinally extending ribs formedintegral on the upper surface of said panel, arid said panel havingformed therein a series of drain openings in the spacing between saidribs,

' (f) a pair of similarly constructed complementary upright wall formingpieces to define the circumscribed opposed sides and ends panels of saidcase,

(g) each of said piece being substantially L shaped to define a sideforming wall portion and an integrally connected adjacent end formingwall portion of said case,

(h) each of said pieces having complementary interfitting rounded endportions, said rounded end portion of each said upright wall portionbeing partially cut away to define an upper half rounded end portion atone end of said wall portion and a lower half rounded end portion at theother end of said wall portion so that in the assembled position, theupper half round end portion of one wall forming portion complements thelower half round end portion of the other upright wall forming portion,

(i) each of said pieces having cut-out portions for accommodating thecorner ears of said unitary bottom panel in the assembled positionthereof,

(j) and the said forming wall portions of the respective pieces havingintegrally formed thereon an inwardly projecting head to complement theundercu-t portions along the longitudinal edges of said bottom panel, i

(k) said interfitting end portions of said complementary pieces havingan aligned bore extending therethrough,

(1) said bore being disposed in vertical alignment with the apertures insaid diagonally disposed ears in the assembled position of said case,

(in) and fastening means for securing said pieces and bottom paneltogether, said fastening means including an elongated bolt extendingthrough said aperture and aligned bore wherein only two such pins arerequired to maintain the bottom and said complementary wall formingpieces in the assembled position thereof.

6. The invention as defined in claim 5 wherein each of said end formingwall portions of the respective pieces has a hand hold formed integraltherein.

7. The invention as defined in claim 5 wherein the interfitting roundedhalf end portions of the respective complementary pieces are formed withstepped shoulder portions.

tions of said case to divide the same into a plurality of articleholding compartments, (b) guide means integrally formed on said opposedwall portions for positioning said partition,

(c) and clip means for securing said partition in place within saidcase.

9. The invention as defined in claim 8 wherein,

(a) said clip means includes an inverted U shaped member adapted toembrace the upper end of said partition, Y

(b) and said U shaped member having opposed laterally bent flangeportions to engage the adjacent wall portion of the carrier,

(c) and means for securing said flanges to said adjacent wall portion.

10. A readily knock down full open top container adapted fortransporting a plurality of bottles shipped either individually and/orpackaged in cartons for retail distribution. comprising,

(a) a substantially rectangularly shaped unitary bottom panel havingopposed longitudinally extending side edges and opposed transverselyextending end edges,

(b) each of said longitudinally extending side edges being undercut,said bottom panel having integrally formed corner ears projectingoutwardly at the corner junctions thereof, said ears having an apertureformed therein,

(c) a plurality of raised longitudinally extending ribs formed integralon the upper surface of said panel, and said panel having formed thereina series of drain openings in the spacing between said ribs,

(d) a pair of similarly constructed complementary upright Wall formingpieces each defining one half of the circumscribing walled portions ofsaid carrier,

(e) each of said pieces having complementary inter fitting rounded endportions, said rounded end portion of each said upright wall portionbeing partially cut away to define an upper half rounded end portionat'one end of said wall portion and a lower half rounded end portion atthe other end of said wall portion so that in the assembled position,the upper half round end portion of one wall forming portion complementsthe lower half round end portion of the other upright wall formingportion,

(f) and the said forming wall portions of the respective pieces havingintegrally formed thereon an inwardly projecting bead to complement theundercut portions along the longitudinal edges of said bottom panelwhereby said bottompanel is supported therebetween,

(g) means for securing said bottom panel between said wall formingpieces, (h) said interfitting end portions of said complementary pieceshaving an aligned bore extending therethrough disposed in alignment withthe apertures of said ears,

(i) and fastening means including a pin inserted through said alignedaperture and bores for securing said interfitted end portions whereinonly two such pins are required to assemble said bottom panel and therespective complementary wall forming pieces.

11. A readily knock-down full open top case comprising a unitary bottompanel, a pair of separable upright extending complementary wall formingmeans having interlocking end portions for defining opposed side and endportions of said case, each of said complementary wall forming meansbeing similarly constructed to define a side and integrally connectedadjacent end portions of said case, each of said wall forming meansterminating in rounded end terminals, the rounded end terminals of eachwall forming means being partially cut away to define an upper halfrounded end terminal at one end of said wall forming means and the lowerhalf rounded end terminal formed at the other end thereof so that in theassembled position, the upper half rounded terminal of one wall formingmeans complements the lower half rounded terminal of the other wallforming means, said unitary bottom panel and each of said similarlyconstructed separable complementary wall forming means having integrallyformed along their adjoining edge portions complementary shapedpositioning means for interfitting one another and for maintaining thesame in a predetermined relationship to one another and to support theweight of the articles carried in said case in the assembled positionthereof, means for positively securing said complementary wall formingmeans to said bottom panel forming means in the assembled position ofsaid case, said latter means including only a pair of pin-type fastenersfor securing the separable complementary wall forming means to eachother and to said unitary bottom panel.

(References on following page) 9 10 References Cited by the Examiner2,718,326 9/1955 Le Blane 217-22 2,818,192 12/1957 Weiner 220 4 UNITEDSTATES PATENTS 2,952,039 9/1960 16116 220-4 1,037,594 9/1912 Cook-3,034,679 5/1962 Balfour 220 21 1,439,929 12/1922 Wags tafi. 3,107,02610/1963 DB Chelbor 220 -21 2,339,474 1/1944 Hardm. 2,489,742 11/ 1949Brodnax 2 THERON E. CONDON, Primary Examiner. 2,526,335 10/1950 Deichert220-21 Rawn E1 Assistant Examiner.

1. A READILY KNOCK DOWN FULL OPEN TOP CASE FOR TRANSPORTING ARTICLESPACKED EITHER INDIVIDUALLY OR IN CARTONS COMPRISING, (A) A UNITARYBOTTOM PANEL, (B) SAID BOTTOM PANEL HAVING OPPOSED LONGITUDINAL SIDEEDGES, AND OPPOSED TRANSVERSELY EXTENDING END EDGES, (C) AND SAID PANELHAVING INTEGRALLY FORMED CORNER EARS PROJECTING LATERALLY OUTWARDLY ATTHE CORNER JUNCTIONS OF SAID ADJACENT SIDE AND END EDGES THEREOF, (D) APAIR OF SAID EARS, WHICH ARE DIAGONALLY DISPOSED WITH RESPECT TO ONEANOTHER, HAVE AN APERTURE FORMED THEREIN, (E) A PAIR OF SIMILARLYCONSTRUCTED COMPLEMENTARY UPRIGHT WALL PORTIONS FOR DEFINING THECIRCUMSCRIBING OPPOSED SIDE AND ENDS OF SAID CASE, EACH OF SAID UPRIGHTWALL PORTIONS DEFINING A SIDE AND INTEGRALLY CONNECTED END PORTION OFSAID CASE, (F) EACH OF SAID UPRIGHT WALL PORTIONS HAVING COMPLEMENTARYINTERFITTING ROUNDED END PORTIONS, SAID ROUNDED END PORTION OF EACH SAIDUPRIGHT WALL PORTION BEING PARTIALLY CUT AWAY TO DEFINE AN UPPER HALFROUNDED END PORTION AT ONE END OF SAID WALL PORTION AND A LOWER HALFROUNDED END PORTION AT THE OTHER END OF SAID WALL PORTION SO THAT IN THEASSEMBLED POSITION, THE UPPER HALF ROUND END PORTION OF ONE WALL FORMINGPORTION COMPLEMENTS THE LOWER HALF ROUND END PORTION OF THE OTHERUPRIGHT WALL FORMING PORTION, (G) EACH OF THE RESPECTIVE INTERFITTINGEND PORTIONS OF SAID COMPLEMENTARY WALL PORTION AHAVING A ALIGNED BOREEXTENDING VERTICALLY THERETHROUGH, (H) SAID BORE BEING DISPOSED INVERTICAL ALIGNMENT WITH THE APERTURE FROM IN SAID PAIR OF DIAGONALLYDISPOSED CORNER EARS IN THE ASSEMBLED POSITION OF SAID CASE, (I) AND AFASTENING MEANS EXTENDED THROUGH SAID ALIGNED BORES AND APERTURE ALIGNEDTHEREWITH FOR SECURING SAID PAIR OF COMPLEMENTARY WALL PORTIONS TO SAIDBOTTOM PANEL IN THE ASSEMBLED POSITION OF SAID CARRIER WHEREIN ONLY TWOSUCH FASTENING MEANS ARE REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN SAID UNITARY BOTTOM WALLAND COMPLEMENTARY UPRIGHT WALL PORTIONS IN THEIR RESPECTIVE ASSEMBLEDPOSITIONS.